After months of speculation and doubts, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has finally confirmed his Australian Open 2022 status. The Serbian had been seeking a medical exemption in order to play in the Grand Slam.

In fact, the delay of the same exemption is what forced him to withdraw from Team Serbia at the ATP Cup in Sydney as well. However, all doubts and naysayers may rest, for Djokovic is coming to Australia for a shot at his 10th Australian Open title.

Novak Djokovic is finally headed down under

Novak Djokovic just now confirmed that he is going to be participating in the Australian Summer of Tennis. Due to strict travel rules, no athletes were allowed in the country without being vaccinated.

Djokovic, who had been seeking an exemption from the travel rules, has finally been able to secure the same! Thus, he released an official statement for the same on Instagram, informing fans and world media of the news. “Happy New Year, everybody!” Novak wished fans.

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Djokovic wished all his fans love, health, and happiness. “May you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet. ❤️🙏🏼” the Serbian wrote.

He then informed everyone of having secured the medical exemption, and that he is headed to Australia. “I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break,” he described. “Today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022 !! 💪🏼” Novak Djokovic revealed.

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Many were of the belief that Novak Djokovic would not be able to come to Australia. Thus, his Australian Open reign, as well as his chance at finally surpassing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in all-time Grand Slams, would have to wait until at least Rolland Garros in France.

Djokovic could now extend his Australian Open record

However, with so many big names withdrawing from the Australian Open 2022 owing to injuries and the global virus, it is understandable that Tennis Australia did not wish to lose the biggest name on the ATP tour as well. After all, Djokovic is also the defending champion consecutively since 2019.

This move to grant Novak Djokovic the medical exemption he’d been seeking was one that many thought wouldn’t happen. In fact, even tournament boss Craig Tiley had believed that it was “getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open” for Djokovic.

Now, Djokovic is ready to defend his Australian Open title against the likes of rivals Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. He already holds the record for the most number of Australian Open titles won with 9 crowns to his name. The closest player to his record in the Open era is Swiss Legend, Roger Federer.

However, the Serbian has his bags packed as he heads for Australia. Surely, the Summer of Tennis would simply not have been the same without Novak Djokovic!

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